Spray Paint In Tank

puffy_fish

Member
I recently decided to paint the back of my tank I purchased used. What I didn't do was cover the top and some paint has gotten on the botton and sides of the tanks. It scrapes off fairly easy with a razor blade, but I am worried this will be toxic to the fish. I don't plan on setting up the aquarium for awhile. The paint was RustOleum Spray Paint. I checked the website but it doesnt say if it is non-toxic.
Does anyone have any insight on this?
Thanks!!!
 

robertmathern

Active Member
I am not a paint pro but scrape it off real good. Wash ir many times and I think you will be fine. But let the paint dry really good. That way most paint is not to bad after it dries.
 

novahobbies

Well-Known Member
depends on the brand, really. Krylon fusion, for example, is perfectly fine after it has fully cured. Takes a good solid week, more if you're cautious, but it leaches it's VOCs and becomes inert. I used this to "prepaint" a pvc live rock frame when I built the rock for my 110. Been a few months now, and all is well with the tank, the fish, and the inverts.
Still, though, I'd let it cure then scrape it off with a new razor blade. If you don't want to see it, that's the best way to remove it!
 

puffy_fish

Member
It really isn't that much. You can still see through the bottom of the glass, but I threw some vinegar on top of it and starting scraping. I am not setting the tank up for a couple months so I am going to clean it good a bunch more times. Just didn't want to start off on the wrong foot.
If anyone else has any insight it would be greatly appreciated.
 

robertmathern

Active Member
You will be fine then. Just wait a while for it to cure fully before putting water in it. Alot of people paint there plumbing parts for there tanks and stuff. I have not heard any repercussions from it yet.
 

puffy_fish

Member
It should be a good learning experience for everyone. Cover up the tank when you are spray painting. While the spray seemed contained. It went everywhere.
 

robertmathern

Active Member
Any one else have any info on this. I am intersted because I am going to the local ace hardware after work today to get the last of my plumbing and some paint to paint it black. It till be in the tank. So I will need to know what is safe to use. I would hate to condem my tank before putting water in it. Sorry to hijack your thread.
 
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